Maryland Couple Drives Two Hours To Adopt A Cat Described As Sad And Lonely

I share my home with six cats, five of them rescues. Over the years of volunteering at our local shelter, I’ve met countless strays and rescue cats, each with their own story. But none carried a look as heartbreaking as this one.
Fishtopher, a downcast kitty with the sweetest face, quickly became an internet sensation. Labeled as “sad and depressed,” his photo went viral, tugging at heartstrings everywhere and winning over people all around the world.

The people at the Homeward Bound Pet Adoption Center in New Jersey posted his photo on Petfinder and set him up with a profile.
“Fishtopher is very sad and depressed and will only eat when he has company. Fishtopher reminds you of a Bengal with his coloring, he is a sweet, easy-going, laid-back boy. Fishtopher loves being petted and is an affectionate boy. He is a big cheeky boy, wouldn’t you love rubbing on those big cheeks?”
This description was posted next to a photo of Fishtopher that just makes your heart weep.

The post was also shared on other social media platforms as well, where many users were moved by the deep sadness in Fishtopher’s eyes, feeling a wave of compassion for the little cat.
They had nothing but sweet comments about him:
“What a beauty. And what a name.”
Another person said:
“I wanna give him a hug. What a handsome little cat.”
Shortly after Fishtopher’s viral fame, the folks at Petfinder shared the wonderful news: he had found his forever home!
The announcement brought a wave of excitement, with many people reaching out to inquire about adopting the sweet cat.

A woman named Laura Folts and her boyfriend Tanner Callahan from Maryland adopted Fishtopher and they couldn’t be happier. As soon as they adopted him, they posted shared:
“I expected people to be like ‘yay he got adopted’ and move on but they fell in love just as hard as we did. About 20 minutes into the car ride my phone started blowing up with notifications for more pictures and updates.”
Luckily, Fishtopher’s new family set up an Instagram account so all his fans (myself included) could continue following this lovable, chunky cat.
Since moving into his forever home, Fishtopher looks so much happier and more at peace.
His owners also use this Instagram account for highlighting the need for adoption of many cats all over the USA.

At the beginning of their journey together, Fishtopher’s owners also said:
“We’re still in shock when we see the follower counts rising and we had no desire for this kind of attention when we went to adopt him, so we’re trying to do good by using this giant audience to find other kitties homes and give people the updates they keep asking for.”
I’m so glad they did, because it’s truly heartwarming to watch rescue cats like Fishtopher living their best lives in loving homes!
What also really touched me was how his owners continued sharing his journey and encouraging others to adopt abandoned cats, spreading awareness and love for those in need.

I truly believe that by sharing Fishtopher’s photos and occasionally posting about other stray cats needing homes, his owners have made a real impact.
Seeing Fishtopher’s transformation shows just how much it means to these animals when we offer them a second chance.
Just look at him now – he’s so much happier, and it’s clear how much love and care have made a difference in his life!

I wholeheartedly support the “adopt, don’t shop” movement and have so much admiration for Fishtopher for being such a good boy.
I also respect his owners for using their platform to raise awareness about abandoned animals.
Never forget, when you adopt a cat, you’re giving them the chance at a new life. It might not seem like much to us, but to the cat, it means everything!